CDC: Alzheimer's Deaths Skyrocket

May 26, 2017

iStock

U.S. deaths from Alzheimer’s disease rose more than 54 percent from 1999 to 2014, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the lead author of the report, Christopher Taylor, researchers adjusted for age, so that finding surprised them. One possible explanation is that methods for diagnosing Alzheimer’s have improved significantly in recent years.

The report also found that more people with advanced Alzheimer’s are dying at home, rather than in a medical facility—placing a heavy burden on families and caregivers.
As the population ages and overall life expectancy continues to increase, more people will develop health problems associated with aging—including Alzheimer’s. The disease currently affects 5.5 million American adults, and that number is expected to increase to about 13.8 million by 2050. There is no cure, but treatment can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.